Lava lamps, glow sticks, and lasers; these psychedelic novelties have more than the 70s in common! On Thursday, January 12th the Longmont Y's Partial Day Preschool "Kindergarten Readiness" classes used these exciting tools during Science Day! Special guest and UCSD (University of California San Diego) physicist Stephen Diehl lead the children along their journey of scientific discovery.

Children began by observing the effects of body heat and sunlight on temperature paper. They "ooohed" while watching a prism reveal rainbows in sunlight. They "aaahed" while experimenting with the attractive and repulsive forces of magnets. Some were baffled by optical illusions when objects disappeared before their very eyes! The children observed lava lamps, conducted "sink and float" experiments, and recorded wind speeds generated by fans. Imagine their surprise as they observed laser beams reflecting and refracting off of mirrors, cascading water, soap, and magnifying glasses! For the grand finale? The classroom blinds were drawn, the lights turned off, and glow sticks were used to illustrate chemical reactions!

Who knew science could be so much fun?!